The words of European conservatives on the 1,000th day since the invasion of Ukraine

Today marks 1,000 days since Russia's large-scale aggression against Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.

Messages from conservative parties in Europe to support Ukraine on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion
Patriotism and the Russian invasion: Do you ask of Ukraine what you would not accept for your country?

Andrzej Duda, President of Poland

Throughout this time, Ukraine has been counting on the firm support of European conservatives, who today reiterated their position on the Ukrainian cause. One of them was Andrzej Duda, President of Poland (one of the Western countries that has been most supportive of Ukraine) and member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party:

"Today it's been 1000 days since the start of Russian full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Poland's position has been consistent and unchanged since the first day of the war. An independent and sovereign Ukraine must prevail!"

Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

In turn, Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic (another of the Western countries that has been most supportive of Ukraine) and president of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), has stated:

"The Russian war in Ukraine has been ongoing for a thousand days—days filled with pain, but also with courage and the desire for freedom. A thousand days during which Ukraine has fought not only for its own country but also for the values and security of a free Europe as a whole. Our support is just, necessary, and vital—not only for Ukrainians but for us as well. Glory to Ukraine!"

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy

From Rio de Janeiro, where she is attending the G20 summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, president of the Fratelli d'Italia party, said:

"As long as there is war in Ukraine, we will support Ukraine."

Meloni also stated: "We must do everything possible to not divide the Western Front. This is the challenge. We all know where the reason lies in the Ukrainian conflict".

Nicola Procaccini, ECR co-chairman

This afternoon, Nicola Procaccini, ECR co-chairman and MEP for the Fratelli d'Italia party, commented on the speech of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in the European Parliament with these words:

"A thousand days ago what was disguised as a mere Russian military exercise on the border with Ukraine turned out to be a full-scale invasion. The first in Europe after years of peace. A failed invasion, this very moment of commemoration reminds us. Failed thanks to the strenuous defence of Ukrainian men and women. Failed thanks to the courage and determination of the Ukrainian president. He was surrounded, threatened, mocked by internet trolls, but he did not flee, neither to a remote dacha in the forest, nor to a Manhattan hotel. He stood where he belonged, with his family, carrying out his duty.

The Putin regime was convinced that it would only take one night to take over Ukraine. It did not. Since that day, the Ukrainian people have been enduring under the weight of indiscriminate shelling, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and everything essential for survival. Since that day, Ukrainian children have been going to school underground. For a thousand days, Ukraine has been forced to fight and die in order to continue to exist.

What are the Ukrainian people teaching us? Three things above all. That homeland is not a word that belongs to the past, but is still what holds the meaning of men and women in history. It teaches us that freedom is not a political slogan, but a necessity of the soul. Finally, it teaches us that Europe is not a treaty signed in the last century, it is not a set of sometimes unjust rules, a collection of bureaucrats and offices, but is a community of destiny. To which we belong, without having to choose it.

In a few hours there will be another anniversary. On the evening of 21st November 2013, some young people took to the streets of Kiev. They were beaten and killed. They became thousands and gave rise to a popular revolution called Euromaidan. None of us Western Europeans can imagine a generation of high school kids and young workers defying death by colouring their faces in the blue and stars of Europe, but in Ukraine, it happened. They died wrapped in the bloody flags of the European Union: the flag that for us is not much more than an office object. And they died like that, under the bells of St Michael’s monastery, while someone played Chopin on a piano set up on a pile of snow soaked in blood.

That is why we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And not only because it represents the right side of history, but because we know that not defending the principles of freedom and human dignity today would mean accepting a future of chaos, in which the law of force prevails over right and the weakest are destined to succumb.

Those watching this war in China, in Africa, in the Middle East, in Latin America, are waiting to know whether the entire West still believes in its founding values. Among them: the value of peace. Which is not an inescapable condition, unfortunately. But it is a treasure to be protected with courage and sacrifice. Winston Churchill wisely said: “Accepting peace on hard terms is like feeding a crocodile, hoping it will eat us last”. Let us do what is right. For as long as it takes."

Mateusz Morawiecki, former Prime Minister of Poland

Similarly, Mateusz Morawiecki, former Prime Minister of Poland and member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has stated:

Exactly 1,000 days have passed since Russia brutally attacked free and independent Ukraine. These are 1,000 days of the Ukrainian people's heroic struggle for their lives, freedom and sovereignty.

From the first day of this dramatic invasion, Poland stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, showing solidarity and support not only in words, but above all in deeds.

As Prime Minister, I visited several European capitals, raising the alarm that Russian aggression against Ukraine was inevitable. At the time, many in Europe did not want to believe it, downplaying the threat. However, Poland knew what was coming: we warned that Russia would not be stopped by threats and that Europe must wake up. We have been saying loudly that it is time to act, not wait. Our efforts made Poland’s voice heard internationally, raising awareness of the threat among our partners.

These actions brought concrete results. Thanks to our determination, we managed to impose on Russia some of the strictest economic sanctions in history. These included restrictions on trade in energy resources, freezing the assets of Russian oligarchs and excluding Russian financial institutions from the international SWIFT system. It was Poland, together with the Baltic countries, that led these actions, showing that only decisive steps can stop Russian imperialism.

As a government, from the first hours of the war we took concrete actions to support our neighbors. Thanks to our determination:

- Poland was one of the first countries to open its borders to millions of refugees, providing them with a roof over their heads and humanitarian aid.

- Together with allies, we built a coalition to provide military support to Ukraine, providing weapons, ammunition and equipment that proved crucial to stopping the Russian offensive.

- At the International Forum, we have consistently lobbied EU and NATO countries to increase their involvement, both militarily and financially.

What was a natural duty for us was difficult in other capitals. Germany, which at the beginning of this war sent only helmets to Ukraine, symbolized a lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation. We knew from the beginning that the stakes of this war were not only the future of Ukraine, but the security of all of Europe, including Poland.

A free Ukraine is a guarantee of stability in our part of Europe. It is a buffer against Russian imperialism. Therefore, support for Ukraine must not weaken, both now and in the future.

We stand with Ukraine despite the difficult and painful history that has divided our nations over the years. However, we believe that true reconciliation is only possible on the basis of truth and mutual respect. In the face of Russian aggression, we do not look back with reluctance, but with hope for a common future. This is a difficult but necessary path if we want to build lasting peace and security in our part of Europe.

Thank you to all Poles who showed what true solidarity is. I would like to thank our partners who listened to our appeals and increased their commitment. We still have a long way to go. We must work together to ensure that Ukraine wins – for us and for the future of a free Europe.